Whether it’s the car you drive, the camera you hold or the plasma television you’ll watch, chances are pretty good many of that product’s electrical components were either made or assembled in Japan. For years, Japanese manufacturers have led the world in the production of microchips and consumer electronics.

Attorney Saiko McIvor of St. Louis Park says she talked with her parents who live in Sendai, Japan the day before the big earthquake. They said there had been a minor earthquake earlier in the week, but then came the big quake and ever since McIvor has not been able to reach them.

A ferocious tsunami spawned by one of the largest earthquakes ever recorded slammed Japan’s eastern coast Friday, killing hundreds of people as it swept away boats, cars and homes while widespread fires burned out of control.